First of all, if I have not already done so,
let me wish you a holy and a happy Christmas. And let me thank those who work so
hard and give so generously of their time and resources to make it possible for
us to worship together and to preserve our Catholic Faith -- it is really
appreciated, both during this holy season and throughout the year. And, let me
ask you to pray for those of our people who are unable to be with us today for
whatever reason -- but particularly for those who are ill.

Sunday I spoke a bit about the importance of the
Incarnation -- the fact that God assumed human nature and was born one of us
this day in Bethlehem. This has been the theme of the Epistles and Gospels this
past week, and will be for another week or two. As Saint Paul told us in the
Epistle for the Vigil: "God's Son was born to Him according to the flesh of
the offspring of David ... to bring about obedience to faith among all the
nations...."1

The readings of this season are replete with place names.
The Angel appears to Mary in Nazareth of Galilee; an edict is sent out from
Rome; Jesus is born in Bethlehem; Magi come from the Orient; Our Lord is
presented in the Temple at Jerusalem; and takes refuge in Egypt. He spreads
sanctification wherever He goes -- even in the womb: Elizabeth is filled with
grace, and John jumps in her womb, just because Mary visits them in her early
days.

When He grows up, Our Lord's public life will touch many
places in and around Israel. His disciples will take the good news of his
Incarnation and Resurrection even further, within the first century evangelizing
the known world between Spain and far away India. And as more time passes,
Christendom will cross both oceans, and God will be gloried in the worship and
the good deeds of His adopted sons and daughters on all of the continents of the
world.

Where the Faith of Christ is strong we will see the spread
of peace, a modicum of prosperity, and the advancement of civilization. The
Faith, of course, is primary; Our Lord became one of us to redeem us with His
grace, and to instruct us in the worship desired by God. But He also came to
tell us how we are to behave toward one another. Christian man is not a
pacifist, but he is peaceful. Christianity will spread not through the sword,
but based on its merits. Christendom will be persecuted -- by the Jews at first,
followed by the Romans, and then the Vikings and the Moslems -- but, for the
most part, she will assimilate her enemies. And when she is united in holiness
she will be able to repel the rest.

The Faith will bring a measure of prosperity as well.
People are more productive when they are not cheating, stealing, and beating one
another -- something Christianity will see to with good success. And there will
be a measure of mutual protection against the enemies "outside the
gate" who would otherwise despoil her productive capacity. The rule of law
will spread, a law tempered by Christ-like compassion and by the urgency to save
souls. Learning will be at least preserved, in spite of the ravages of the
barbarians. And music and art will flourish in unexpected degrees, often
nourished by the desire to glorify God and His Blessed Virgin Mother in those
art forms.

Yet, perhaps many of us today have become pessimistic. In
spite of great technological advance, we see the peace, and the gentle
prosperity, and the civilization of Christendom withering away in so many areas
-- and he very leaders of Christendom unnwilling or unable to even recognize the
decline. If we are honest we may also recognize some deficiencies in our own
faith and the way we put it to practice in the world.

Perhaps that is why the Christian celebration of Christmas
is so important. If we reflect that at one time -- not all that long ago by
historical standards -- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were the only Christians, we can
be encouraged by the possibility of rebuilding Christian society. Somehow the
recollection of the Babe in the manger, and the spirit of Christmas has the
power to make us feel young again. Not surprisingly, the key to a renewed
Christendom is Christianity -- just as it is the secret to a renewed
spirituality in our own life. Christmas is a time for new beginnings -- in our
world and in ourselves, for really, the latter cannot happen without the former.

Today marks not only the birth of Christ, but also the
birth of Christianity and Christendom. Today is a day for feeling good. Mary and
Joseph invite us to worship their Son; to renew Faith and peace and prosperity
and civilization -- both in ourselves and in our world. Jesus Christ is born
today! May He live in us, and through us rebuild His kingdom on earth. Long live
Christ the King!